Maniniholo Dry Cave

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Venture deep into the dark recesses of this eerie sand-bottomed cave and you’ll understand how local lore could have sprung up about its origin and history. Depending on who you ask, this cave was dug on orders of Maniniholo, head fisherman of the Menehune people (Kauai’s legendary first inhabitants), who was in search of an akua (a magical beast) suspected of stealing their hard-earned fish. Another version of the tale has Maniniholo and his men tearing into the cliff in order to capture imps living in the cracks who’ve pilfered their food supply. Either story, however, is terrific fodder for fantasy for young (or young-at-heart) cave-explorers.

Underground • Scenic